Punchestown thoughts

The Irish have some fantastic looking staying chasers next year.

Valseur Lido and Apache Stronghold definitely looking like stayers to me for next year.

Both got better as the race went on, and I was really pleased with Apache's run after that.  A couple of sticky jumps but been on the go all year and racing after a fall last time.

How many will Giggi run in the Gold Cup? Don Cossack, RTR, Don Poli, Valseur Lido and Wounded Warrior!

Surprised Don Poli only gone out a point for the Gold Cup after that.

ground had him chief didnt it.

Don Poli got beat last year after winning at Cheltenham.  Maybe Punchestown just aint his track.

Don has gone from a 3 miler to a 2.5 miler to a 3 miler again

Not sure I'm buying the ground issue for Don Poli. Was it appreciably quicker at Punchestown than Cheltenham?
I think the issue is that he's a bit slow. They were thinking of the 4 miler tip quite close to Cheltenham and, while he won very well at the Festival, we don't really know yet what he beat. You wouldn't have thought he's be over the top for the season after just three runs.
O'Leary said "the bubble's burst" and "I'm devastated" and I'm really surprised that he's shorter for the Gold Cup than Don Cossack for one.

Don Poli can't have run anywhere near his best on a line through Wounded Warrior as he's beat him twice before this season including Cheltenham.  I'd reserve judgement and he's unbeaten at Cheltenham. Coneygree going all out might be perfect for him but whether he can go past is another thing.

I dont believe the ground excuse either.

Jezki has finished the season very well and looks better on spring ground. Player for next years world hurdle but young enough to go jumping. (7)